Middle Level Leader - Leading in Times of Change
December 2012
Leading in a time of constant change is challenging, complex, and (sometimes) crazy…and with most states shifting from individual state standards to the Common Core State Standards, today’s leaders are facing a barrage of changes coming from multiple directions. But research tells us that in the quest to improve schools, leadership is second only to teaching among school-related factors in its impact on student learning. In other words, schools of excellence require excellence in leadership; therefore, improving the quality of our leadership must be a high priority.
This month’s lead article by Nancy Doda and Shari Camhi shares strategies that middle level leaders can use to maintain solid footing during this time of shifting ground.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday,
Patti Kinney
Associate Director, Middle Level Services
Centering on Shifting Ground
By Nancy Doda and Shari Camhi
Change is a constant in school leadership yet today’s leaders feel as if the present shifts have them standing on shaky ground. Most point to the whirlwind of state-initiated shifts associated with Common Core State Standards and new accountability provisions. Others point to the pressing awareness that schools need to change—really change. The pressures come from a complex collection of synergistically linked forces but the result is that most leaders are unsteadied by it all. And that poses a threat to all we know about great leadership. Great leaders of course “keep calm and carry on,” but how we carry on can make all the difference. (Continue reading)
Technology Integration—Will We Know It When We See It? A New Taxonomy
By Chris Toy
As leaders, we must keep in mind the purpose of technology and how it can transform the classroom. We need to remember that teachers and students have different levels of experience and comfort when it comes to learning about technology. As with Bloom’s taxonomy, we must take them from where they are and support them along the continuum. (Continue reading)
Spotlight on Middle Schools
Food, clothing, and toy drives are popular in schools at this time of the year. Even with all of the holiday-themed activities (concerts, art shows, and the inevitable classroom celebrations), students regularly find time to think of the needs of others.
Areas hit by Hurricane Sandy earlier this fall are still in need. NJHS chapter members at Pinelands Regional Junior High in Little Egg Harbor, NJ, responded to this need by organizing a seasonal house tour and progressive dinner. Traditionally, this project supports service activities by the school throughout the year, but for 2012, proceeds have been designated to help area residents victimized by the storm.
The NJHS chapter at St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Davie, FL, helped the families of patients at a local children’s hospital. The chapter assembled and delivered baskets of food to the low–income families of the young patients at the facility for Thanksgiving. More than 1,000 meals were provided.
In November, the NJHS chapter at Hopi Junior/Senior High in Camp Verde, AZ, was recognized by the Northern Arizona Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on National Philanthropy Day (November 15) for having raised more than $1,500 for the Hopi Education Endowment Fund. The fund helps Hopi students achieve their educational goals through annual scholarships and the NJHS chapter was quite proud of their contributions to their community.
In Alabama, the students at Oak Mountain Middle School have supported Toys for Tots since 1999, donating a total of more than $300,000 worth of toys. This year alone, the students donated $25,000 worth of toys. The students raise funds through bake sales, babysitting, and a staff volleyball game and use those funds to purchase toys and deliver them to the Marine Corps group coordinating the campaign in the area.
News & Notes
Free Access to Information From the Youth-Nex Conference on Middle Schools
A middle level conference was recently held on the campus of the University of Virginia to examine developmental issues of early adolescence, the intersection with educational programming, and best methods to promote effective youth development. The event, which included NASSP staff, brought together scholars, practitioners, and policy professionals from across the country to focus on the future of middle schools in the context of Positive Youth Development. One of the invited presenters was Linda Scott, former principal of Oscar F. Smith Middle School in Chesapeake, VA, a MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough School. The conference organizers created a website that gives free access to videos of the presentations and PowerPoint slides.
Leading Success
Don’t miss out on a new tool kit collaboratively created by NASSP and The College Board Advocacy & Policy Center. The innovative online tool kit is open to all principals and school leaders to help raise student achievement and promote college and career readiness. Leading Success: Dynamic Solutions for Every School, Each Student integrates current research, professional development strategies, videos of educators sharing what's working in their schools, and planning tools for new initiatives. This tool kit is deserving of a bookmark on your browser as the modules and information will be continually expanded and updated.
NASSP Conference: Ignite 2013
Plan now for the new NASSP conference—Ignite 2013—February 28–March 2, at National Harbor, MD (just outside of Washington, DC). Many well-known middle level educators will be presenting including Rick Wormeli, Nancy Doda, Jill Spencer, Patti Kinney, Dedra Stafford, Bill McBride, and more!
NASSP Center for New Principals
Are you a new or aspiring principal? Then check out the resources and information available on the NASSP Center for New Principals. The website was designed with you in mind.
Deadline Nearing for Dissertation Competition
If you are a doctoral student who has completed and successfully defended your dissertation between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, consider applying for the NASSP Dr. Ted Sizer Middle Level Dissertation Award (there’s a high school award as well). Winners receive a complimentary one-year NASSP membership, a cash award of $1,000 (members) or $500 (nonmembers), and a commemorative plaque. Candidates must submit a completed application and a dissertation abstract by January 7, 2013.